‘Redneck Monster’ 5K Event Slated

September 29, 2013

I don't know how you get ready for a ''Redneck Monster'' 5K event, as the sponsors aren't even aware of all the details connected with such an adventure.

However, if someone is planning to take part in this challenge, they have five weeks to get ready. The actual date is Nov. 3.

The Marshall County Fair is sponsoring the event and will earmark all proceeds to benefit additional clean-up and repair efforts for the Valley Fork Youth Baseball Fields and the Sam Shaw Walking Trail, also located at Valley Fork Park.

Soon after Valley Fork Park reopened after an Aug. 1 flood, Fair Board President Beth Bertram told me the board wanted to help the Moundsville Park and Recreation Board, whether with money or volunteers, or both.

The Marshall County Fair Inc. and Valley Fork Park are neighbors, separated by a small creek which runs between the two properties. A fair board members knew about the "Redneck Monster" event and recommended to the board that it might be something to consider for a fund raiser.

During the "Run" the participants will encounter some other attractions - as there will be at least 10 obstacles which will include climbing, crawling, uneven terrain, going through mud, and more!

The early registration is through Oct. 23, and one of the major reasons for advanced registration is to enable the fair board to have some idea on how many might be participating, which in turn will enable the board members to be better prepared in staging the event.

In addition to participants, the fair board is seeking volunteers to be assigned to the different "stations" along the route.

Another means of collecting money will be through costume judging. If a person wears a costume in the event, he or she can also take part in an on-site "Penny War." Spectators will vote for the best costume by donating their loose change. The individual raising the most money will win a cash prize. By the way, team costumes may also be entered.

The top runners in each of the two age group will win prizes. Those entering will receive T-shirts.

Registration forms can be obtained online at marshallcountyfair.net, the Marshall County Fair Facebook page and at #1 Sports Fan on First Street, Moundsville. The forms can be mailed to Marshall County Fair, P.O. Box 52, Moundsville, 26041, or dropped off at #1Sports Fan.

The start/finish will be at the Marshall County Fairgrounds, with the start time at 1 p.m.

While those as young as 14 can enter, the under-18 participants will need for a guardian to sign a waiver.

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While on the subject of Valley Fork Park, this past week I was walking on the Sam Shaw track when I noticed an electronic scoreboard being erected, and also learned that of some other changes at that particular field. Improvements include a new outfield fence which is eight feet in height, four feet higher than the old fence. In addition, the new fence was extended 10 feet outward.

As to the scoreboard, it was made possible by the law firm of Berry, Kessler, Crutchfield, Taylor and Gordon. The upgrading of this field is being made possible through other community contributions, and volunteers.

Moundsville Post No. 3 American Legion and Bishop Donahue High School teams, along with others, utilize the field.

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Marshall County Commissioners Brian Schambach and Bob Miller Jr., Sheriff Kevin Cecil, 911 Director Larry Newell and Office of Emergency Management Director Tom Hart and county Administrator Betsy Fronhapfel met with a representative of Silling and Associates of Charleston, the firm which has been contracted to design the former Jozabeth Building.

It was first time the three department heads had met with a representative of the architectural firm to discuss their "wish lists."

Frohnapfel said the individual sessions went very well.

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The Cameron High School Homecoming will be held this weekend when the Dragons entertain Paden City on Friday night.

The Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday night, and will be the first such event held in the new gymnasium. As you might remember, at this time during 2012-13 school year the students hadn't moved into the new facility.

The King candidates are Dylan Coulter, Jonathan Matthews, Waylon Miller and Shane Williams.

While at the school this past week, I noted that the parking lot at the entrance to Dragon Stadium had been paved. This is a first, and it provides for not only much better access to the stadium, but additional parking spaces.

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The Marshall County Fall Clean-Up will begin Friday and Saturday with free dumpsters at both the Benwood City Garage and the McMechen City Garage. The hours both days will be 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Other dates include Oct. 12 at Sherrard Middle School and the old Roberts Ridge Volunteer Firehouse, Oct. 18-19, at the Glen Dale City Garage and the entrance to Valley Fork Park (east) in Moundsville, and Oct. 26 at the former Cameron High School.

Also, on Oct. 26, electronics, tires and white goods will all be accepted at the north parking lot of Monarch Stadium in Moundsville.

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The Fall Used Book Sale at the Moundsville-Marshall County Library will take place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., on Friday, 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, and 10 a.m. until noon on Oct. 8.

The event is being sponsored by the Moundsville Woman's Club.

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A benefit auction will be held beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Marshall County Fairgrounds, with proceeds going for the purchase of children's toys and clothing at Christmas time.

This will be the eighth year that Richard Martin, owner of Affordable Renovations, will have conducted a Christmas give-away of new toy items. This year's event will take place on Dec. 21 at the fairgrounds.